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The second most-populated of the southern Gulf Islands (after Salt Spring) with a year round population of 2,400 (triple that in summer), Pender Island is actually two islands, North Pender and South Pender, separated by a narrow canal connected by a one-lane bridge. Pender Island covers 36 square kilometres and enjoys a sub-Mediterranean climate.

There are national reserve areas on the Pender Islands, with Beaumont Marine Park having the most substantial facilities for beachfront recreational usage.

The island features open farmland, rolling forested hills, several lakes and small mountains, as well as many coves and beaches. In fact, Pender Island offers the most public beach access points of any of the Gulf Islands.

A popular destination for cycling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, boating, sailing and scuba diving, the island also boasts a nine-hole golf course as well as a 27-hole Frisbee golf course.

Pender Island has numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants and hosts a variety of local events throughout the year, including the Pender Island Fall Fair and the Lantern Festival.

On Saturday mornings during the summer, the Pender Island Farmer's Market at the Community Hall offer local produce and handicrafts, as well as entertainment.

The island pace slows down considerably during the winter months. Spring and fall are pleasant times of the year, with fewer tourists and mild weather.

Gone are the days when Pender Island was 30 years behind the times. Free wifi is now available at the Community Hall, Port Browning Pub, the Library, Otter Bay Marina, Slow Coast Café, Driftwood Centre and Poets Cove Resort.

WHERE TO EAT:

HOPE BAY CAFE

Ocean view dining room and dockside patio. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yummy, chock full of clams chowder is a must try.

Reservations: 250-629-6668 Be sure to visit the Red Tree Gallery around the corner from the café. This artisan co-op is filled with beautiful island creations by local Pender artists. Paintings, fibre art, glassware, feltwork, photography, jewelry, soaps, art cards and more.

Great breakfasts served from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Classic pub fare after that, as well as pizza, pasta and stir fry. Delicious homemade soup. Live entertainment on weekends. Visit portbrowning.com for details.

One of B.C.'s prettiest 9-hole public golf courses. This Gulf Island jewel, a 10-minute walk from Otter Bay Marina, offers four elevated tee boxes and affords expansive views of the challenging golf shots. Facilities include golf shop, putting green, power carts, rental clubs and Birdie's Bistro. The course is open from April to September 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours in July and August. penderislandgolf.com Golf Shop 250-629-6659.

GOLF ISLAND DISC PARK

Due to the efforts of a number of dedicated volunteers a lovely disc golf course has evolved on Pender. Played much like traditional golf, except players use golf discs (similar to Frisbees). And instead of greens with cups, there are chain baskets and poles set amid a forested terrain. For details visitdiscgolfisland.com

For a map and a full list of island amenities visit the Pender Island Chamber of Commerce website at penderislandchamber.com

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